Joseph Bruno

Joseph Michael Bruno, 88, passed away Monday, September 26th peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family at home. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 15th, 1934, and was raised on a dairy farm in New Jersey before moving to New Orleans to attend Tulane University in 1952. He earned his BS degree in Zoology and Chemistry with a minor in Philosophy, and was voted by his peers as having "the ability to say less in more words than anyone else". After attending university, he began a prolific career in real estate and hospitality, starting his own firm in Jefferson Parish, through which he developed several large commercial projects. While raising his family, he continued his career throughout the country, building, owning, and managing various restaurants, hotels, and resorts. Eventually, he moved back to New Orleans, where in 1985 he and his wife Kendra bought Dixie Beer, New Orleans' oldest brewery. He dedicated the last several decades of his working life to saving the New Orleans icon. He greatly enjoyed traveling with his family, especially through Italy where he was made honorary mayor of his grandparent's hometown in Sicily. He is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of sixty years, Kendra Elliott Bruno, their children: Denee Bruno Fredde (Randy), Keven Bruno Theriot (Phyllis), Joseph Michael Bruno II, Jennifer Elliott Bruno, Christopher James Bruno (Dale), Jonathan Jude Bruno; grandchildren: Maddison Jude Bruno (Allan), Jenna, Raina and Dane Fredde, Joshua and Kendra Theriot, and great grandchildren: Ayden and Damion. The family would like to express their deep love and appreciation to Ann, Peter, Shelia and Barbara for their extraordinary caregiving, love, and support. The family would also like to thank Father Tony Rigoli OMI of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and International Shrine of St. Jude. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the New Orleans Covenant House at www.covenanthousenola.org and/or making a memorial gift to the New Orleans Children's Hospital at www.chnola.org. Visitation will begin at 12 noon, followed by services at 1:30 pm on Thursday, October 6th at Jacob Schoen & Son, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Memories and expressions of sympathy made be shared at www.schoenfh.com.